World Oral Health Day 20 March, 2025 Significance, Theme Background

Happy Mouth is a Happy Body – Prioritize Your Oral Health Today

World Oral Health Day is an international health occasion celebrated annually on March 20th to promote awareness about oral hygiene, its significance, and the causes that have led to oral diseases. 

Oral health refers to the state of the mouth, teeth, and facial structures that allow people to carry out vital functions like speaking, breathing, and eating. Different alterable risk factors, including a diet high in sugar, inadequate oral hygiene, and tobacco and alcohol consumption, contribute to oral diseases. Gums of pregnant women are more susceptible to plaque because of hormonal changes. 

Of the different oral diseases, dental caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent. Additionally, other oral conditions consist of and are not restricted to the following: 

• Oral cancer (uncontrolled cellular proliferation in the mouth) 
• Loss of teeth (abnormal shedding of teeth) 
• Oro-dental injury (discomfort resulting from harm to the teeth, mouth, and oral cavity) 
• Periodontal disease (infection and inflammation of the gum tissues) 

Background of World Oral Health Day

On September 12, 2007, World Oral Health Day was founded by the French organization Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) World Dental Federation in honor of Dr. Charles Godon’s birthday, the FDI’s founder. 

To prevent a possible conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress in September, the date was shifted to March 20, 2013, and it has been held ever since. 

Theme for World Oral Health Day 2025

This year, 2025, the theme for World Oral Health Day is “A HAPPY MOUTH IS… A HAPPY BODY.” This topic highlights the connection between dental health and mental well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss, which may also affect social connections, self-worth, and overall mental well-being. 

People, educational institutions, and youth organizations are urged to enhance oral health by organizing events and activities on World Oral Health Day. Furthermore, dental care professionals and the healthcare field are also urged to assist the communities by offering. 

• Instruction on dental caries 
• Understanding the issues arising from inadequate dental hygiene 
• Suggestions and methods for effective brushing techniques. 
• Guidelines for using dental floss and mouthwash 
• Benefits of utilizing dental implants 
• Significance of undergoing dental cancer screenings 

Importance of World Oral Health Day

In 2017, more than 350 crore individuals globally experienced oral diseases. The Global Burden of Disease 2019 reported that untreated dental caries in permanent teeth (adult teeth) is the most common health issue across the globe. It is estimated that 50-60% of India’s population experiences dental caries, which subsequently diminishes their quality of life. 

The cost of treating oral health issues is generally high and often not covered by health insurance. Additionally, there is limited access to quality dental care services in low and middle-income countries. Moreover, untreated dental decay may result in pain, trouble sleeping and eating, hospital admissions or dental appointments, invasive procedures, and overall health issues. 

Considering the points raised earlier, being aware of dental care is essential to prevent dental issues and their related complications. Consequently, World Oral Health Day seeks to raise awareness and highlight the significance of proper oral hygiene by encouraging screening initiatives and preventive strategies for dental issues. 

Read More: Celebrating Certified Nurses Day: Honoring Dedication & Excellence in Healthcare

Preventive Measures for Tooth Decay

The subsequent actions can stop tooth decay: 

• Eating a nutritious and low-sugar meal plan 
• Cultivating the routine of brushing twice daily, preferably after each meal. 
• Use of fluoride rinses 
• Participating in dental check-up initiatives annually 
• Applying dental sealant (protective plastic layer) to the molars (rear teeth) 
• Consuming water with the necessary level of fluoride. 
• Decrease in the frequency of consuming food or snacks. 
• Choice of chewing gums containing xylitol 
• Refraining from smoking and the use of tobacco 

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